Champion group forms to provide safety, health info

Bob Coupland

Reporter

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

CHAMPION — More than 65 people attended the first program of the Champion Community Network Council, a group created to provided informational forums on safety and health.

Police Chief Jeff White and fire Chief John Hickey spoke on safety issues in the homes to the group gathered at Champion Presbyterian Church. Police Officer Daniel Wasko discussed protection against fraud and said seniors are often victims of phone or email scams in which someone is seeking money to help “a relative” in jail or trapped somewhere.

“You hear something like this and want to help a relative but these are scams. Most places would not require you sending money. We tell people not to give out information. Don’t be a victim. If you are a victim, don’t be embarrassed, call the police,” he said.

He said there are phone scams involving lottery winning, tax returns and attempts to hack a computer. Wasko said local police and fire do not call residents to solicit funds over the phone.

The Champion Community Network Council was organized by Champion School Superintendent Pamela Hood and Trumbull Career and Technical Center Superintendent Jason Gray. It includes representatives of township trustees, police and fire, schools, including Kent State University at Trumbull and the Trumbull County Educational Service Center, and the Champion Ministerial Association.

“This council’s goal is to educate people on what effects the community,” Gray said.

Hood said the council was formed because there is a lot information out there that people need and want to know about.

She said she contacted Gray and wanted to see what local organizations wanted to get involved.

“We have key organizations coming together to talk about important issues,” she said.

Plans are forums to be held in the spring and fall on topic of public welfare, safety and health.

The council members determine the topics and location for programs.

“Depending on the topic the council will determine where it will be held, time of day and target audience,” Hood said.

Gray said it is important that everyone be educated on what is going on.